Centre closures – next steps for learners

If you’ve recently found out that your centre is closing, we’re here to support you with your next steps. We understand this may cause some uncertainty, but we want to ensure that no learner is left behind.  ​

First, we need you to establish if you are a funded or private learner. A funded learner has had their tuition paid by a government grant or loan, while a private learner pays their own tuition fees. 

Funded Learner​

If you’re a funded learner, you’ll need to contact the Department for Education, who will support you to understand the options available to continue your qualification with minimal disruption. They’ll be able to provide details of a new centre, including location, contact information, any costs if applicable and next steps.

Private Learner ​

If you’re a private learner, you may be able to transfer to a different NCFE centre that offers the same qualification. You can find a centre by following the below steps: ​

• Visit the qualification search area of our website and searching for the qualification you’re studying.​
• On the qualification page, you’ll see ‘find a centre’ on the right, enter your postcode and you'll see a page with a map of centres near you that deliver this qualification. ​
• Contact the centre directly to find out if you can enrol. Any costs will need to be discussed directly with the new centre. We’re unable to support matters relating to financial agreements between a learner and a centre.​

Alternatively, you may be able to enrol in a similar qualification offered by another awarding organisation. You should contact the other awarding organisation or centre directly to discuss this option. ​

As a private learner, if you feel that you could benefit from additional support, Citizens Advice may be able to guide you with any questions you have about a company stopping trading or going out of business.